Santorini tips and advice

We know what you’re thinking — going on holiday to a place like Santorini means all rest, no real shopping…right? Well, that’s where you’re wrong. Santorini has grown a reputation as a true shopping mecca for a lot of different crowds. The focus on handmade goods attracts quite a few people who are jaded by the usual garbage in the big box retail shops. It also attracts people that are looking for something one of a kind that their friends wouldn’t have back home.

If you’re a big shopping fan, this guide is definitely for you.

The first thing that you’re going to have to pay attention to is geography. We’re not trying to make jokes here — the island has a big caldera that plunges right down into the sea. This means that if you want to do any shopping, you’re going to have to climb hundreds of steps to get anywhere. You can do that, or you can take the railway. If you’re going to walk everywhere, comfortable shoes are a must. While some people take Santorini by storm in heels, you’re asking to wear yourself out. The hills are just too steep and there are plenty of steps to go up and down in.

Be aware that some places are ripe for negotiation, and others are not. Know when it’s allowed to negotiate the prices and when the prices are fixed. If it’s your first time in Santorini, you will want to know that the market is where you go to haggle, and the regular shops aren’t really a place where you haggle. Of course, if you see someone else doing it, you might want to ask just in case. There’s nothing like being able to get a good deal on your hands, you know!

There are a lot of different things that you can take off the island of Santorini.

Clothes would have to be the biggest surprise for first time travelers to the island. A lot of people don’t associate high fashion with an island like Santorini, but they definitely should. You’ll be able to find a lot of different clothes, and there are even people that can make custom pieces for you. Just ask around — the locals will tell you where you can go!

There’s also plenty of jewelry to be found on the island, with amazing stones set into the metals. You won’t be spending nearly as much as you would in say, London or somewhere else. It’s completely up to you to figure out what you want to get done.

If you’re going to plan a once in a lifetime trip to Santorini, you need to make sure that you are going to be checking out the food. Did you know that there are well over two thousand restaurants of some type on the island? This does go from little food carts all the way up to world class restaurants. This is an island for budget travelers and luxury travelers to finally get to come together in style. If you’re looking for the best places to eat on the island, this guide is definitely for you.

First and foremost, you want to make sure that you figure out what type of style you’re really going for. Do you want to treat yourself to the touristy restaurants that give you the best views, or are you looking for the most authentic Santorinian food that you can find? If that’s the case, then you might want to go off the beaten path, where the locals seem to eat. These restaurants will be smaller, less lit up and the views might not be as good as you were expecting. However, the price of the food will be a lot less what you were looking to pay as well.

Food on the island can be expensive, because you’re not just paying for the food. Like anywhere else, you’re going to be paying for staff wages, the seasonal uptick in visitors, rent costs, suppliers (which is a lot more money for the island people because they are, of course, on an island).

There are plenty of island staples, like the white aubergine that’s used in every single way that you can imagine. You should also check out a katsouni — this might make you think of a cucumber when you see one, but the taste is completely different.

Tomato-keftedes are amazing — every tourist that has gone to Santorini has raved about them. They are Santorini-grown tomatoes that are cut up and mixed with onions and special ingredients, then rolled in flour. Deep frying them brings out all of the little spices that every single restaurant puts in. Of course, have fun getting them to tell you what that recipe might be.

You also have a fava soup that’s accompanied by bread and onions, along with a good amount of olive oil.

If you’re looking for world class food, you will find it — even if it’s not Greek food. You will have to check out Ginger, which is a sushi restaurant. Sushi in the middle of the Greek Isles? Of course, why not? This is an island that literally thrives on tourism, so it’s all about giving the people what they’re actually looking for at all times.

The sushi experience is pretty good, according to all reports we looked at. You don’t just get sushi but good wine, appetizers, and plenty of suggestions on what would pair great with what you just ordered.

There’s also plenty of meat, including the steak that’s cooked on a hot rock. Don’t laugh until you’ve tried it — this style of cooking really brings the flavor out of the meat.

You have to check out all of the little fish tavernas during your stay in Santorini. Fresh air is caught right from around the island and prepared on site. It doesn’t get much fresher than that! You’ll find fresh barbounia, capers, and whatever the fisherman can catch and bring in. Wine is a given on the island, but make sure that you pace yourself — there’s really a lot of different wines to try!

Penelope’s is one of those “hole in the wall” restaurants that gets recommended endlessly because there’s really good food. Greek salad with authentic Santorinian tomatoes, stuffed grape leaves, freshly baked bread… the list goes on. If you’re serious about trying to get the authentic taste of Santorini, this is definitely somewhere to go.

There are plenty of other restaurants on the island, and with so many it would be difficult to even put an end to this guide. If the idea of fresh produce and fresh fish pleases you, then you definitely want to book your trip to Santorini as soon as possible. Right now we’re in the spring season, but demand for bookings will go up. You don’t want to get left out when that happens. Check it out today, you really will not be disappointed at all. Good luck!

Santorini is the biggest hotspot this year, with plenty of travelers looking forward to spending upon the small Grecian Isle. But if you’re going to head out to Santorini, you have to make sure that you have a great place to stay. The nice thing about all of the hotels of Santorini is that you have stunning views everywhere you look. So you don’t have to feel like you need to spend a lot of money just to feel like you’re right in the cradle of luxury and style.

There’s a few hotels that caught our attention as we planned our own little “dream holiday”, and we think that they’ll catch your eye as well.

We had to start with the Astarte Suites Santorini. This is an awesome place as it’s an all suites boutique hotel. It’s actually located in Akrotiri, which is a stunning little village not too far from the capital of the island.

This is a hotel that offers nothing but suites, and plenty of amenities to keep you busy. Air conditioning, television, a safety box, a mini bar and a bathroom with a deep tub are just part of what awaits you. Since there are only 9 suites currently, you will definitely want to book as soon as you can — these suites definitely go fast!

There’s also the Astro Palace Suites and Spa Hotel. Now, you know when a hotel has the word “spa” in it, you’re going to get a luxuriously good time. True to the name of the place, there are suites that have private Jacuzzi tubs. There are even suites that have their own swimming pools. If that’s not luxurious, we just don’t know what would be.

The resort itself has another private swimming pool and a nice spa for you to relax in. You can have different treatments done while you just sit back and let life move around you.

Need assistance? The hotel’s concierge has your back completely. If you’ve ever wanted to feel like a movie star on holiday, this is definitely the type of accommodation you need.

But what about if you’re trying to save money and just soak in all of the scenery? Then you need to look at a great hotel like the Anatoli Hotel. Even though it’s not as luxurious as some of the other hotels we mentioned, it is a space that you should really check out.

You will have two different choices — the hotel side, where short stay guests enjoy a comfortable experience with great views of the island, and an apartment side for long term guests. You have your choice of which side you’d prefer.

You’ll get a pool to enjoy with the rest of the guests, and a lot of peace and quiet. Partygoers are encouraged to go elsewhere, as it’s disruptive to the guests that have finally found somewhere peaceful to relax.

Overall, there’s really a hotel for every budget. If you want to discover more Santorini highlights, just stay tuned — we definitely have you covered!

Interested in Greece? You’re not alone. Beautiful beaches, amazing people, a startling amount of amazing food and drink…what’s there not to like? If you’re trying to narrow down where you should go in Greece, Santorini — officially called Thira — is definitely where you want to head next. This is an island that has some of the finest sunrises and sunsets in the world. You have plenty of tall buildings to watch the skies from as well. The volcanic soil of the island gives birth to some of the finest and freshest food that you’ll eat.

But if you really want to have a hassle free experience, the package holiday is definitely where it’s at. You get the peace of mind that comes from knowing that all of the details are handled for you.

Santorini is all about natural landscapes, amazing architecture, and history. This is a sightseeing buff’s dream destination, and there’s plenty of luxury to be had at a great price. You get to look at plenty of great deals to Santorini is you’re willing to look around.

When it comes to the package holiday, you’re going to have airfare, the resort, and transportation taken care of for you. But you will have to make sure that you move fast. A great destination like Santorini tends to go very quickly. You have to really step back to make sure that you have everything you want, so that all you have to do when you arrive is figure out how to relax, what to wear, and who’s going to be the first travel friend you honestly make.

Planning in advance makes this happen, and it takes the pressure off immensely. Go with a well known travel operator to connect all of the dots. This means that they have expensive in not only giving you the lowest price, but the most flexibility. You want to make sure that you’re able to pick out your accommodations and ensure that transportation options are provided for you. If they aren’t, you should have enough knowledge of Santorini to use the public transportation offered.

As long as you keep your eyes open during the process, you’ll find that package holidays for Santorini are actually the best way to explore this amazing island. If you want something a little more custom, you can actually find that. Travel operators are standing by right now to help you out. Good luck!

With origins that date back to the Neolithic period, the west coast of Cyprus is a region rich with history, with numerous sites of archaeological and cultural significance to be discovered just a short distance from the magnificent Mediterranean waters. One of the most intriguing locations to visit is that of the Tombs of the Kings, a series of grand underground tombs about two kilometres north-west of Paphos harbour that date back to the 4th century BCE and have now been majorly excavated for visitors the island to explore.

The name of this surprisingly well-preserved Paphos necropolis is actually somewhat deceptive, as no kings were actually buried here – instead, the name refers to the elaborate designs of the tombs and chambers, which are carved into the rock itself. High officials and Paphitic aristocrats found their final resting place at the Tombs of the Kings, each of which features stunning details such as frescoes and sculpted Doric columns.

Excavations on the Tombs of the Kings have been underway for many centuries, but it wasn’t until the latter part of the 20th century that substantial progress was made, and the scale of the tombs could finally be truly appreciated. What was also discovered is that the style of the tombs was an anomaly in Cyprus, with their courts surrounded by columned canopies that were in fact influenced by similar necropolises in Egypt, where it was strongly believed that burial tombs should resemble living people’s homes.

The uniqueness and historical value of the Tombs of the Kings contributed towards the entire Paphos region being awarded UNESCO World Heritage Site status in 1980, which will ensure that the necropolis, and the numerous remarkable archaeological sites nearby, are protected for many centuries to come.

The Houses of Dionysus, Orpheus and Aion, in which were found astonishing 3rd-to-5th century mosaics, as well as the Temple of Aphrodite and Aphrodite’s Rock, a rock which marks the site of her supposed birthplace are also among the sites that will be preserved by the UNESCO World Heritage Site status. Thousands of holidaymakers travel to Paphos every year to see these intriguing and unforgettable sites for themselves, thanks to fantastic deals from Jet2holidays that include flights and accommodation at hotels like the Athena Royal Beach Hotel, located just a few kilometres from the Tombs of the Kings and providing the perfect place at which to relax after a day of exploring.

We know that it’s not summer yet but if you really want a high season holiday, you need to start thinking about where you want to go now. Might we make a few suggestions? If you want crisp, clear water, blue skies and plenty of scenery, you have to check out the island of Santorini. Not sure what’s really waiting for you in Santorini? Stick around, we have just the information that you’re looking for.

Santorini is a volcanic island within the Greek Islands — the Cyclades group, to be exact. It’s found between Ios and Anafi, which means that you can hop from island to island and expand your trip without spending a lot of extra money. You have stunning, dramatic views, as well as a lot of things that are really unique to Santorini — like the white eggplant. It’s known as a real treat! It has its very own active volcano, and the soil benefits from the volcano big time.

You have black pebble beaches, as well as white beaches and even a red beach. You have to see it to believe it.

There are plenty of small villages to check out as well. If you’re someone that’s way into old school architecture, you have to check out Karterados. Kamari is the village with the black pebble beach, and Firostefani gives you a really good view of the volcano — it’s safe, we promise!

Santorini is also referred to as Thira, for the record. You’ll find a lot of examples of great architecture, and tons of little villages off the beaten path. The volcano sits nearly 900 feet above sea level — wow!

April 1st is the start of the travel season in Santorini, where the weather is really starting to get nice. April-June and September-October are really the two best times to hit the island.

To get in, you want to fly in from Athens mostly. There are some airlines that directly connect from Europe. Most major European cities have direct connections to Santorini through a few charter airlines. You’ll need to make sure that you look this up before you go. From the airport, there’s bus service to Fira, and there are also taxis. You might have a hard time finding an available taxi, so just take the bus.

The island of Santorini has a public bus service. You must make sure that you look at the timetables before you just hop on the bus. Buses tend to run every 30 minutes or so. There are private bus services as well that are a little more organized.

If you really want to rent a car, you can do so. You’ll need to have an International Driver’s Permit, but this isn’t a hard requirement. However, you do put yourself at risk for insurance problems if you don’t have your IDP.

Some people like to even rent ATVs, but your mileage may vary on this. The terrain is a little rocky and you’re going to have to share the road with other people. This makes things a little crowded eventually.

You could also tour the island on foot. A lot of hikers are more than willing to do this, and it provides a nice scenic view of the island. However, it’s not for everyone. Make sure that if you do decide to go on foot that you take plenty of breaks. There are lots of up and downhill climbs and a very rocky surface to deal with.

Couples do not have to travel abroad to find some of the most romantic vacations under the sun. All types of romantic vacations, including romantic beach vacations, are a possibility within the UK. Indeed, people from all over the world flock to the UK for their romantic holidays.

Bath

The city of Bath is considered an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The designation of an AONB is due to the River Avon and the city’s natural geothermal springs. Visitors to Bath can take in a play, visit the area’s vast number of cultural heritage sites, or spend a romantic afternoon at one of the city’s lush parks. Bath is also home to nearly 200 bed and breakfasts, which is the perfect way to spend a romantic holiday a way from home.

Burgh Island

Located near Bigbury-on-Sea, Burgh Island is situated off the coast of South Devon. Those seeking romantic vacations should consider the Burgh Island Hotel. The hotel is an Art Deco style building that has inspired a great many writers and artists with its gorgeous views and splendidly low-key atmosphere.

Glastonbury, Somerset

Present day Glastonbury is known for its New Age atmosphere. However, couples wishing to experience the most romantic vacations can find exactly what they are looking for in the geography and culture of this small town. Couples can walk hand-in-hand as they visit Glastonbury Tor. Reaching the summit and looking about the area can be one of the most romantic adventures for any couple.

Cotswolds

The Cotswolds, known as the Heart of England, signify perhaps the most romantic vacation spots in all of the UK. An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the Cotswolds play host to a number of romantic resorts. Some of these are well populated and some are hidden, offering both excitement and seclusion for those seeking romance and solitude.

Book early! Don’t wait! Save money! Early reservations are the only way to go!

Seen those headlines lately? Here’s the thing — they’re equally right and wrong at the same time. We’ve even been guilty of writing these sensational headlines at least a few times in our publishing journey. Thankfully, we’ve seen the light, and it’s good — late hotel bookings can be just as beneficial.

Now then, let’s set some ground rules. You have to make sure that you’re thinking about the bigger picture in terms of this last minute business. Last minute travel isn’t for the faint of heart. If you’re incredibly particular about where you stay and where you go, then last minute travel isn’t for you. If you know that you are looking for particular features, then last minute travel isn’t for you. If you will be completely and totally miffed if you don’t get all of your room preferences…well, you get the idea. Last minute travel isn’t for everyone. You will need to make sure that you’re being a little bit more compromising than if you were making a very early reservation. If your hotel of choice can meet your needs but they don’t know exactly what room they can give you, sometimes it’s better to just enjoy the moment. It’s tempting to believe that you will have no problem getting your ultimate vacation off the ground… but don’t let yourself fall for that. The reality is that there are always snags that come up. There is always a chance that you’re going to be looking at having to step back and see what’s important to you.

The best part about last minute travel is that it encourages you to seize the moment. Look, it doesn’t take an advanced degree from a fancy school to realize that life is short. You have to take advantage of the moments that come your way. Do you really want to just sit at home, merely because you didn’t have a lot of time to fit things together?

It’s high time that you really start looking at the way you want things to be — and then go set your adventure up just like that. Sure, you might have to correct course every once in a while, but that’s just par for the course. As you get better, you might be surprised at how much improvement you actually make. Good luck!

If you are interested in wine, whether just drinking it or finding out about how it is made, then you will be interested to know that there are a big selection of wineries on the island. Some allow tours and others have wine tasting as well which means that you can choose which you want to do and enjoy yourself.

Art space winery is a restored building that closed in 1952 and reopened in 1999 which is in an underground cave which creates the perfect conditions for maturing the organic wine. There is also a museum and art gallery on site and so there are a good selection of things to do there. Antoniou is a winery that is built in to the cliffs near the port. Although it is no longer used to make wine, there are wine tasting sessions and a tour, where you can either pay for a guide or tour on your own and pay to taste some wines. The underground location also contains some old equipment and a video presentation room.

The Argyros Estate saw a 5 acre vineyard grow to 65 acres over the 150 years it has been going. The owner grows the highest quality grapes and creates some of the best Greek wines including ancient varieties and some that have won awards. The wine is exported worldwide and tours of the vineyard can be arranged. Boutari Winery has been going since 1989 and is open to the public with tours available in five different languages. It produces mainly white wine in dry and sweet varieties.

With a contrast between old traditions and modern vineyards as well as family run businesses and those which are not, it can be interesting to go to see a selection of different wineries and compare them. Many produce great quality wines but the way that hey do it differ a lot. With these just being a small selection of the wineries on the island, it means that you could go and see one every day of a week and still not see all of them. It means that the island is a fantastic place to visit for anyone who has an interest I vineyards, wine tasting or just wine. It can be a lot of fun to go to see a winery, especially one which is well set up for giving tours to the public and having the opportunity to taste some of the wine that they make, can add to the fun as well.

If you enjoy beach holidays then the chances are that you or a member of your family enjoys water sports. Most beaches do provide a selection of water sports and they can be a great way to have fun while on holiday as well as a way to cool off in the water.

Santorini is no exception here. The busiest beaches do have a selection of water sports to trya nd so it is important, that if you want to take part in some, that you make sure that you pick a beach that offers them. Make sure that you also find out, exactly what sports they offer and at what time of the year, as you do not want to be disappointed if you travel out of season and they do not have what you like. Obviously there is never a guarantee that what you want to do will be available on that particular beach on a specific day but if you read reviews of the beaches it will give you an idea of what there is on offer.

There tends to be banana boats, wind surfing and snorkelling and there could be many other things as well, depending on the beach that you go to. Some offer knee boarding, kite boarding and wake boarding as well as water skiing and para-sailing. You can also take out jet skis or wave runner boats to explore the island from the sea. For less extreme options there are sea bicycles, kayaking or canoeing on offer. If you just enjoy swimming or snorkelling, then it can be a good idea to check whether the beaches have any currents or things that might make it unsuitable for this. There are some beaches which have interesting rocks under the water and so these might be a better choice if you do want to go snorkelling.

There is also a water park if you prefer to have some safe family fun and so this could be something to look at if you feel that the more extreme water sports are not quite the right thing for you or your family or you would rather not be right out in the open water. So there are a good selection of different activities on offer and so you should be able to find something that you and your family will enjoy taking part in.